TY - JOUR
T1 - Post-traumatic stress disorder and service utilization in a sample of service members from Iraq and Afghanistan
AU - Erbes, Christopher
AU - Westermeyer, Joseph
AU - Engdahl, Brian
AU - Johnsen, Erica
PY - 2007/4
Y1 - 2007/4
N2 - Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, alcohol abuse, quality of life, and mental health service utilization among returnees from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Methods: One hundred twenty returnees, enrolled for health care at a midwestern Veterans Affairs medical center, completed questionnaires approximately 6 months after their return from deployment. Results: PTSD levels (12%) were consistent with previous research while problematic drinking levels were also elevated (33%). PTSD and, to a lesser degree, alcohol abuse were associated with lower quality of life in multiple domains, even when controlling for the influence of depression. Of those screening positive for PTSD, 56% reported using mental health services. Only 18% of those screening positive for alcohol abuse reported using such services. Conclusions: PTSD and alcohol problems are prevalent in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom returnees and associated with lower quality of life. Mental health service utilization is limited, even among returnees enrolled for Veterans Affairs health care.
AB - Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, alcohol abuse, quality of life, and mental health service utilization among returnees from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Methods: One hundred twenty returnees, enrolled for health care at a midwestern Veterans Affairs medical center, completed questionnaires approximately 6 months after their return from deployment. Results: PTSD levels (12%) were consistent with previous research while problematic drinking levels were also elevated (33%). PTSD and, to a lesser degree, alcohol abuse were associated with lower quality of life in multiple domains, even when controlling for the influence of depression. Of those screening positive for PTSD, 56% reported using mental health services. Only 18% of those screening positive for alcohol abuse reported using such services. Conclusions: PTSD and alcohol problems are prevalent in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom returnees and associated with lower quality of life. Mental health service utilization is limited, even among returnees enrolled for Veterans Affairs health care.
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U2 - 10.7205/MILMED.172.4.359
DO - 10.7205/MILMED.172.4.359
M3 - Article
C2 - 17484303
AN - SCOPUS:34247539076
SN - 0026-4075
VL - 172
SP - 359
EP - 363
JO - Military medicine
JF - Military medicine
IS - 4
ER -